Description
Google+ is an excellent tool for educators to introduce themselves into Web 2.0. It contains the simplest, as well as more complicated aspects of it, microblogging, blogging, social networking, as well as enabling users to connect on a personal level through Google Hangouts, Communities, Following function, and Google document creation.
Educational Purpose
Google+ can be used in creating a Professional Learning Network to connect to various other educators with the Communities and Following function. Using this a pre-service or new teacher can gain knowledge about pedagogy, lesson content and planning, classroom management, as well as situational advice that would otherwise take years to accumulate without it.
If your goal as an educator is to inspire lifelong learners, you must become one yourself. Creating a PLN is a sure way of maintaining growth and learning moments for yourself. Just make sure you budget how much time you spend immersed in Google+, and be realistic in what you expect to include into your curriculum and content.
Reducing Barriers
Some learners will face barriers in their education. If a teacher uses Google+ it may help to reduce these barriers because it allows teachers to access multiple means of representation so as their learning style is reached out to.
Terms of Service and Age Requirements
For Google+, I recommend that educators use it solely for their own growth and to accumulate content and ideas to incorporate into their materials. That being said the terms and conditions can be found here.
